We were first presented with a two-tiered tasting plate. We started at the top with lemon-preserved oysters. As someone who isn’t a big fan of oysters, I can vouch for these. The salty sea taste, coupled with the natural oyster flavour/consistency, were counterbalanced well by the tart lemon. Next we sampled the excellt boudin noir. The savoury gateaux was a little bland, but that very well could have been a symptom of being eaten after the strong boudin noir. The soft-shell crab was crispy, but soft in the middle, as all soft-shell crab should be. The charcuterie section and the pate combined to make the richest food I’ve eaten lately, prompting the call for more bread when the stock selection was exhausted. If nothing else, eat the pate.
While we waited for mains, we explored the beer garden. The picturesque combination of wood, heaters and plants really set a relaxed tone to enjoy one’s craft beer in.
The Mauritian beef curry with roti was an interesting follow-up to the taster. The curry was full-flavoured with a little heat behind it, but the dryness of the roti was a little disappointing. I’m told that they have $15 curry special on Wednesday nights – coupled with a pot of craft beer makes it an economical and tasty choice for a mid-week meal.
The pan-fried barramundi was a perfect end to the savoury portion of our meal. The skin was perfectly seasoned and cooked, and the flesh was so soft and flavoursome. It sat in a light broth with enoki mushrooms, bok choy and flat noodles, making it an excellent counterpoint to the loud curry.
We were full to the brim by this point, but decided it would be a wasted opportunity to not at least try dessert. The baked chocolate mousse was delicious, but not too sweet. It was a subtle, refreshing way to end the meal, although the lemon rind flavour was a little overpowering.
The Woodlands Hotel is amazing, a truly different experience and a jewel of Coburg. The food is worth a journey, and the upstairs dining room is Alice in Wonderland meets masquerade ball. Anywhere that has the option of sitting in a throne is alright by me, and The Woodlands Hotel is redeemed many times over by the wholesome and cohesive dining experience. Go there soon, you won’t regret it.
BY REI BARKER
